How to Beat the Dry Heat

Phoenicians are no stranger to the term “dry heat.” What exactly is it, and how can you beat it? According to Urban Dictionary, when in reference to outside temperature, it is the relationship between the outside air’s heat index and the humidity in the air. This typically means a high temperature accompanied by a low level of humidity^[1]. A dry heat is actually beneficial to those who live locally in Phoenix, Arizona since the effects that dry heat has on your body allows your skin to breathe and naturally cool down through sweating.

In a moist environment, however, high temperatures can cause difficulties in the human body’s attempts to cool down; because the air is already naturally saturated, there is a decreased chance of your sweat dissipating. This forces individuals to seek relief via air conditioning, dehumidifiers and circulation fans for cooler, dryer environments.

Dry heat in desert climates nonetheless can be extremely HOT, and cooling yourself down as much as possible is a must. Phoenix Family Medical Clinic has prepared a list of ways to effectively cool down.

1. Stay Hydrated

Simply put, in order for your body to naturally cool down through sweating, you need water in your body. If you become dehydrated, your body will fail to produce sweat and therefore cannot cool you down. Health Magazine recently published a quick guide to foods high in water that can help boost hydration. Some of these sources are surprising such as lettuce, baby carrots, spinach, broccoli and cauliflower^[2]!

2. Don’t Suffocate Your Skin

What you wear can affect how your skin breathes. In the summertime, especially in scorching hot climates, avoid the following types of clothes:

• Dark colors
• Thick woven fabrics like polyester and wool
• Body conforming fabrics such as nylon and spandex

3. Eat and drink cooler foods and beverages

Avoid or moderate your intake of coffees, hot teas, soups, stews and foods that retain high heat levels as they will obviously warm you up inside. Instead, consume a cooler diet during the summer. Parents Magazine has some great tips for summer-friendly salads and sandwiches[3].

4. Participate in Cooler Activities

Summer is a great time of the year to incorporate water into your outdoor activities. Check out the list below for some cooler activities for you and your family!

• Visit your backyard or local community pool
• Many hotels in the metropolitan area offer water park attractions to make your staycation more enjoyable
• There are four local attractions that focus on water-based fun such as Big Surf, Wet’n’Wild, Golfland’s Sunsplash and Castles’n’Coasters
• Travel to higher altitudes (where temperatures are cooler) and go hiking, explore a cave or feel the wind while using an ATV or UTV safely

As you can see, swimming and other watery activities are great for keeping you active and cool, but don’t forget the sunscreen!

Throughout the Valley of the Sun, we see our fair share of heat-related illnesses throughout the summer months, and we want everyone to remain healthy and cool. If you feel like you or someone you know has symptoms of heat exhaustion or other severe conditions, our three Phoenix family practices offer medical services that can help you. Find one of our walk-in clinic locations near you and come see us today!

^[1]Jeenyus86. “Dry Heat.” 2013, May 19. Urban Dictionary. Retrieved July 3, 2014 from http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Dry+heat.

^[2]MacMillan, Amanda. “15 Foods That Help You Stay Hydrated.” 2014. Health.com. Retrieved July 3, 2014 from http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20709014,00.html.

^[3]Parents.com. “Fresh [and] Cool Summer Meals.” 2014. Parents Magazine. Retrieved July 3, 2014 from http://www.parents.com/recipes/cooking/family-favorites/summer-meal-ideas/.

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